What did the doctor say? Does ds have compaction or something meaning he has less bowel continence? Is that why he gave laxatives? (I know poo can leak around the compaction meaning the child loses continence and clearing the compaction can help this).
Sending hugs to you and ds. He is obviously struggling with it.
^^ this will be why the gp wanted to feel his tummy and has suggested a laxative. His bowel might have stretched out from holding on and when it gets stuck the poo leaks behind it out but can still look normal. It's all a vicious cycle especially if there is something they are worried about. Hopefully today has been a big enough deal to encourage him to go, if not a psychologist may help.